You've probably seen this all over the web, by now. The songs premiered on something called Glamglare and I know Christmas A Go Go had it yesterday. And if you haven't already seen it all over the web, I'm sure you soon will. But it's too good for me not to put in my own two cents. The name of the band is Whyte Horses and this is a double-A sided bit of Christmas stardust. First up, the original "Next Year Will Be Mine".
Whyte Horses are fairly enigmatic, though we do know they are currently based in Manchester (UK). The legend goes that archivist and aficionado of pop psychedelia, Dom Thomas, went on an international quest in search of the perfect sound, several years back. Apparently, he found it.
Whyte Horses first appeared with a magical and timeless single in 2014 and, since then, have issued two full-length albums. Their sound draws on multiple genres--Psych (of course), Indie Pop, Cosmic Folk, Lounge, 60s French Pop, Dream Pop, Girl Groups, and more. It's one thing to have all the proper ingredients, another entirely to mix them in the proper measure to ensure a continually delicious dish. Well, the Mad Chef has done it.
"I always wanted to write a Christmas song that had something to do with the same songs being on the radio every year," says Dom. "I like songs about the passing of time, patterns of life and the human condition. We all need a bit of hope going into the new year and 'Next Year Will Be Mine' tries to paint that picture. The beauty is it can be sung at the end of next year if things don't work out." "Next Year Will Be Mine" is simply intoxicating, with it's mix of an infectious 60s Girl Group beat, sweet 60s French Pop harmonies, Spector-esque production, modern Indie sensibilities, and, of course, bells.
Whyte Horses first appeared with a magical and timeless single in 2014 and, since then, have issued two full-length albums. Their sound draws on multiple genres--Psych (of course), Indie Pop, Cosmic Folk, Lounge, 60s French Pop, Dream Pop, Girl Groups, and more. It's one thing to have all the proper ingredients, another entirely to mix them in the proper measure to ensure a continually delicious dish. Well, the Mad Chef has done it.
"I always wanted to write a Christmas song that had something to do with the same songs being on the radio every year," says Dom. "I like songs about the passing of time, patterns of life and the human condition. We all need a bit of hope going into the new year and 'Next Year Will Be Mine' tries to paint that picture. The beauty is it can be sung at the end of next year if things don't work out." "Next Year Will Be Mine" is simply intoxicating, with it's mix of an infectious 60s Girl Group beat, sweet 60s French Pop harmonies, Spector-esque production, modern Indie sensibilities, and, of course, bells.
The other A-side is a Whyte Horses cover of the classic (and too seldom covered) "Coldest Night of the Year". You already know how we at Stubby's feel about that one; it's one of the few things posted to our Essentials Page. Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, first recorded by Nino Tempo and April Stevens, there's little question that the definitive version was by the Folk duo Twice As Much...which featured a then-unknown singer-songwriter named Vashti Bunyan. If you haven't read our piece on the song, it was conceived as a twist on "Baby, It's Cold Outside", one which thankfully removed the ick factor. "Coldest Night of the Year", in any version, gives me goosebumps and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...it's just such a perfect song. But it's as if it was always written for Whyte Horses. They've somehow managed to find the perfect sweet-spot between the versions by Vashti Bunyan and Nino Tempo and April Stevens, added a few of their own touches, and brought it back to life. It really should be a standard. Maybe this will be the version that makes it one.
Whyte Horses double-A-sided Christmas single releases today on all digital platforms, including Amazon and iTunes. AND, very important for we hard copy collectors, there is a limited edition 7" vinyl single available for pre-order, now. Release date for that is December 21, which likely means it won't arrive stateside in time for this Christmas. But this single is the stuff of Christmas dreams...it is stardust. You should definitely have this 45 in your collection. Once you have it, it'll be yours forever. I've ordered it. And, with my current finances, I don't shop Christmas music like I used to. "Next Year Will Be Mine" / "Coldest Night of the Year" by Whyte Horses comes with my highest recommendation and the Stubby's House seal of approval.
Whyte Horses double-A-sided Christmas single releases today on all digital platforms, including Amazon and iTunes. AND, very important for we hard copy collectors, there is a limited edition 7" vinyl single available for pre-order, now. Release date for that is December 21, which likely means it won't arrive stateside in time for this Christmas. But this single is the stuff of Christmas dreams...it is stardust. You should definitely have this 45 in your collection. Once you have it, it'll be yours forever. I've ordered it. And, with my current finances, I don't shop Christmas music like I used to. "Next Year Will Be Mine" / "Coldest Night of the Year" by Whyte Horses comes with my highest recommendation and the Stubby's House seal of approval.
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